Biblical. Historical. Reformed.

The believer and Friday the 13th

All kinds of superstitions surround the calendar event that occurs when the 13th day of a month falls on a Friday. Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number “13” and friggatriskaidekaphobia is specifically related to the fear of Friday the 13th.

One of the blessings of knowing Christ is in realizing that this day is no different than any other. In other words, there is nothing especially bad about Friday the 13th. All such beliefs are false. However, in Proverbs 13 we do find warnings against living a life of continual refusal to listen and be obedient to ALL that God has commanded. This particular proverb – maybe more than any other proverb – reveals that living in that way will mean the forfeiture of the blessings and abundant life we all strive for. Continual disobedience means instead that our life will be filled with destruction (v. 13), poverty, disgrace (v. 18), disaster (v. 21) and suffering of want (v. 25). What makes all of this really terrible is that such “curses” are not a warning for just one day, but every day. Or, worse, an entire life of misfortune to those who remain disobedient. It is the warning of a life of curses rather than blessings.

Of course, this is NOT what we desire for any of you! There is nothing that I can do to remove what may potentially be a tough life for you other than to remind you that there is One who has the power to make the difference. Proverbs 13 (on this beautiful Friday the 13th) is a timely reminder to all of us to be sure that we are living lives in full obedience to all that God has commanded us in His Word. A reminder to “be careful…to do as the LORD your God has commanded you” and “not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (Deuteronomy 5:32).